Lalmonirhat police open probe into custodial death

The Lalmonirhat police has opened an inquiry into the death of 34-year-old Himangshu, who died allegedly in police custody at Hatibandha Police Station on Friday. 

A three-member panel, headed by an additional superintendent of police, has been instructed to file its report within three days, reports UNB. 

Superintendent of Police Abida Sultana told the media on Saturday that the panel would investigate whether there was any negligence of duty of police.

“Necessary action will be taken if anyone is found involved in the death,” she said.

Two other members of the committee are Amirul Islam, officer-in-charge of the Detective Branch and court police’s Inspector Jahangir Alam.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within three working days.

Meanwhile, Samiul Amin, Hatibandha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), said after primary investigation it is being suspected that Himangshu killed himself in the police custody.

The man died in police custody in Lalmonirhat district on Friday hours after he was arrested on charge of killing his wife.

However, police claimed that Himangshu Chandrakar, son of Bisheswar Roy, committed suicide by hanging himself with a wire inside his cell.

"We found him hanging inside his cell," said Ershadul Alam, officer-in-charge of the Hatibandha police station.

Himangshu was arrested a couple of hours after his wife, Sabita Rani, 33, was found dead in their house in East Kadma Maldapara village of Hatibandha upazila on Friday morning. 

“After interrogation, Himangshu was kept in a room where he ended his life," the OC said. "My men rushed Himangshu to a local hospital where doctors declared him dead," he added.

Sudhir Chandra Roy, brother of Himangshu, however, said, “Police arrested Himangshu and he was absolutely fit then. We have no idea how he died."